- The USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient's values regarding specific benefits and harms. (grade C recommendation)
- The USPSTF recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. (grade B recommendation)
- The USPSTF recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE). (grade D recommendation)
So let me throw in my two point five, two, seven, five cents :) The argument for / against mammograms has been an issue for years. The major issue is that the number of women that need to be screened to save one life is around 2000. In addition along the way several women will have to deal with the scare of breast cancer and may have an unnecessary breast biopsy. The question... is the scare worth the life of one woman? I am convinced that if it is my wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister it is worth the scare.
Now it is beyond me why I, as a medical professional (in particular an OB/GYN), would choose to not teach a woman how to do her own breast exam. The fact that you have the knowledge base and are aware of what to bring to a physician's attention is key to early detection in my eyes.
Of course I will take a second to educate. Remember that the breast tissue is shaped like a tear drop. The tail points toward the arm pit (this is called the tail of Spence). The tail region and directly underneath the nipple are the high risk areas for breast cancer.So here are my recommendations
- Learn how to do a breast exam and do it on a monthly basis
- In agreement with ACOG ( http://www.acog.org/from_home/Misc/uspstfResponse.cfm ) continue having your mammogram every 1-2 yrs age 40 - 49 and annually 50+ yrs
As always feel free to ask any questions.
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